When correctly hung, the precise material will make an inside really feel full — not solely do they supply privateness and regulate daylight, however they create the phantasm of a bigger house and add a dose of texture. Discovering the correct measurement curtains and hanging your curtain rod on the applicable peak is essential for each aesthetics and performance. “If the peak of drapes just isn’t maximized, it might probably make a room look shorter than it truly is — creating a sense of compression in a room,” says Ashley Macuga, principal designer of Collected Interiors.
We perceive there’s lots that goes into hanging curtains, from measuring your window to putting in curtain rod brackets into drywall. That’s why we’ve written this easy-to-follow information, damaged up into two elements: The best way to measure for curtains and the way to dangle curtains. We tapped into designer Ashley Macuga for her skilled recommendation, so you possibly can dangle curtains similar to a professional.
What You’ll Want
The best way to Measure for Curtains
✔️ Calculate the width of your window. Your curtain rod ought to prolong previous the window on either side by no less than 8 to 10 inches. To create the looks of a bigger window, your rod ought to be a complete of 16 to twenty inches longer than your window.
✔️ Contemplate the scale of your material stack, which refers back to the quantity of house the curtains take up when they’re absolutely opened and pushed to the perimeters, says Macuga. “Personally, I prefer to have a curtain stack on either side that’s no less than half the scale of the window for a extra elegant and full look when the curtains are drawn.”
✔️ Calculate the peak of your window. To make a room really feel taller and extra grand, dangle your curtain rod just a few inches (about 4 to six) above your window. “The most typical mistake is hanging curtains too low,” says Macuga.
✔️ Measure from the highest of your window body to the ground. This measurement will decide how lengthy your curtains ought to be — and don’t overlook so as to add just a few inches, since your curtain rod might be hung above the window. Curtains ought to nearly attain the ground. “We intention for 1/4″ if there aren’t any pets within the home, and 1/2″ if there’s a threat that pet hair would possibly accumulate and cling to the underside,” says Macuga.
Designer recommendation: When unsure, measurement up. When you’re nervous about puddling on the bottom, hem the curtains or carry them to your native seamstress.
The best way to Dangle Curtains
When you’ve bought the precise measurement curtain rod and material, it’s time to interrupt out the drill. Whereas some folks could desire to rent a handyman or a TaskRabbit, it’s easy sufficient to do it your self. Observe these step-by-step directions to hold curtains with ease.
- Use a pencil to mark drill holes in your bracket. When you’ve decided how excessive and vast to hold the curtain rod bracket, mark the wall with a pencil. Use a stage to make sure your markings on either side are even.
- Screw within the brackets for the curtain rod. Material is heavy, which suggests you’ll most likely want wall anchors except you’re capable of find studs on the wall. (Tip: Use a stud finder to find out in the event you’ll want wall anchors.) First, drill information holes then fasten the brackets to the wall utilizing a drill or screwdriver.
- Dangle the curtains. After you thread the curtains onto the rod, dangle the rod within the brackets. Use a stage to make sure the curtains are hung evenly. Then, open and shut the curtains to make sure they’re working correctly.
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Fast tip: Earlier than placing your drapes onto the curtain rod, take a look at that your brackets are sturdy sufficient to assist the rod alone and that it seems even.
Affiliate Way of life Editor
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the affiliate way of life editor for Good Housekeeping, the place she covers all issues home and inside design. Previous to becoming a member of GH in 2022, she wrote for publications together with ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Distinctive Houses Journal and LODGING Journal, along with crafting product copy for home manufacturers like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.